Wikipedia

Slope Records

Slope Records is a record label based in Sunnyslope, Arizona.[1][2][3]

Slope Records
Founded2015 (2015)
FounderThomas Lopez
GenrePunk
Country of originU.S.
LocationSunnyslope, Arizona
Official websitesloperecords.com

History

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Phoenix-based Slope Records was formed in 2015 as an outlet to bring attention to selected bands and music. Initially, just a hobby for the founder, Thomas Lopez,[4] Slope Records quickly evolved into a growing entity in the music business and featured an expanding list of artists creating new music, as well as an array of punk re-issues.[1][5][6][7]

 
Feederz - WWHD

“Slope” refers to Sunnyslope, Arizona where the label's home offices are located. Sunnyslope is now part of central Phoenix, but was once the north edge of town. Part of the mission of Slope Records was to bring attention to the burgeoning Phoenix music scene through the re-release of classic Arizona punk rock bands as well as new releases by both Arizona and national acts.[8][7][9]

Slope Records released Product of America by Exterminators on Election Day 2016, which was, at the time, the biggest release on the label.[10][11] Exterminators are a Phoenix punk rock super group featuring Dan “Johnny Macho” Clark on vocals (Victory Acres, Feederz), Doug “Buzzy Murder” Clark on guitar (Mighty Sphincter), Don Bolles on drums (Germs, 45 Grave), and Cris Kirkwood (Meat Puppets) on bass.[12][13][14] Other releases include work by Fuckemos, Nip Drivers, Mighty Sphincter, Surfbort,[15] and Red Squares among others.[16][17][18][19][8][20]

First wave Phoenix punk rock band Feederz signed with Slope Records in early February 2017.[21] Frank Discussion, Clear Bob (Dan Clark/Johnny Macho from Exterminators), and DH Peligro (Dead Kennedys) reunited to create their socially and politically charged brand of Dadaist punk. Their initial Slope Records’ release was scheduled to come out in April 2017 featuring controversial cover art by Mike Fisher depicting United States President Donald Trump dressed as Adolf Hitler.[22][20][23]

 
The Blankz - White Baby

In September 2016, Slope Records began a relationship with skateboard legend and punk rock singer, Duane Peters. Since then, Peter's signed on with Slope and the label has released three 7” EPs by Peters. The first release from March 2017 featured Peters’ early 80s band, Political Crap, and contains three songs originally recorded for the 1981 compilation record, Who Cares (American Standard).[24]

In March 2017 Slope Records started recording a full-length record with Moonlight Magic a Phoenix-based exotica band led by Jaime Paul Lamb a local garage musician, archivist and Mason. After recording Moonlight Magic for the album titled Phoenixotica, Slope Records founder Thomas Lopez aka Tommy Blank and Jaime Paul Lamb aka Jaime Blank formed a project in October 2017 called The Blankz and recorded their first 7” titled White Baby.[25][26][27][28][29][30]

Also released in April 2017, Phoenix, Arizona's The Father Figures who features a former member of Jody Foster's Army (JFA) as well as a member of North Side Kings and The Freeze joined Slope Records and the label released Heavy Lifting, which is the Post-skate punk bands’ fourth full-length record. “Like Fragile Porcelain Mice or Season to Risk, The Father Figures create music at once dissonant and melodically catchy. “USS Destroyer” is especially ear-wormy thanks to a shouted chorus. “Nigerian Prince Charming” is a modern update and mash-up between the Minutemen's “Take 5, D” and Nada Surf's “Popular,” melding a scam e-mail with political rhetoric and stop-and-go structure.”[31][32][33]

 
The Cocky Bitches

During the summer of 2017, Slope Records released the TV’s OK EP by Austin, Texas band, The Cocky Bitches. The trio features Paul Leary of the Butthole Surfers as well as Sam McCandless of Cold and singer The Baroness.[34]

In December 2017, Slope Records released two new 7” EPs from the US Bombs. The first of which is a tribute to The Clash with Peters and company providing their rendition of Clash favorites, “Death Or Glory” and “Straight To Hell.”[35] The second EP features two brand new US Bombs songs, “Hollywood Gong Show” and “Midnight Run.” The US Bombs plan to tour extensively in 2018.[36]

The Blankz released several EPs in 2018, including White Baby, (I Just Want To) Slam!, and I'm A Gun to overwhelmingly positive acclaim. ““…it’s these tunes that grab you, especially “White Baby”—as insanely catchy as Social Distortion's “1945,” No Alternative's “Johnny Got His Gun,” and The Controllers’ “Electric Church.” Lastly, Tommy Blank's exuberant vocals, and lyrics’ weighing his modern racial identity—a white kid raised by Mexicans—show smarts. It's a complete package,” wrote Jack Rabid from The Big Takeover.[37][38]

 
US Bombs - Road Case
 
The Dickies ft monkey - "I dig Go-Go Girls"

Phoenix, Arizona via Cape Cod, Massachusetts punks The Freeze signed to Slope Records in 2018 as well with a brand-new record planned for early 2019. Along with The Father Figures, The Freeze represented Slope Records at the 2018 Punk Rock Bowling Festival as well.[39]

In July 2018, the U.S. Bombs put the finishing touches on Road Case, which was their first full-length album in well over a decade. This was also the first LP for the Bombs on Slope Records and was released on November 23, 2018. The band will begin touring to support the record in December 2018 and continue on the road with the first leg of touring featuring Total Chaos as the support act.[40]

The Cocky Bitches also put out a full-length LP on Slope Records in November 2018, as well.[41] Mercy is the first LP by the band and was well received. “This is some high grade, weirdo, psych punk with some touches of lysergic blues of the highest order. In a way, it harkens back to Leary’s former band, but in a good way. It’s not a mere copy. He’s just taken the music that’s in his blood and, along with his collaborators, has created some inspired, twisted shit which is likely to put a smile on the face of anybody who likes their rock music way outside the box.”[42]

 
Besmirchers HYL
 
TSOL GhostTrain

During the late spring of 2019, Slope Records launched a new facet to their services by providing tour buses for bands, Anti-Nowhere League, The Dickies, Conflict, and The Exploited have all toured on the buses during 2019. The Linecutters supported Conflict on their brief US tour that culminated with a show at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas. The Blankz also celebrated their live debut as they played Punk Rock Bowling opening for The Dickies and The Undertones.[43][44][45]

Slope Records provided The Dickies with a tour bus for the first leg of their 2019 tour with The Queers, as well, celebrating the release of their first Slope Records 7” which featured a cover of the Cheap Trick song, “I Dig Go-Go Girls” featuring Monkey from The Adicts on side A and The Dickies own “The Dreaded Pigasaurus” as the B side. The release was joined in Slope Records summer release slate by Los Angeles, California's Dead77 with their Slope debut, Astray, and The Linecutters’ Knuckledragger EP.[46][47]

Following the release of their full-length LP, ‘Hate Your Life,’ The Besmirchers set out for a two-show leg of the Anti Nowhere League's three US shows in 2019, which culminated in an arena performance at the Banc Stadium in Los Angeles. The Banc Stadium lineup consisted of Cro-Mags, ANWL, The Distillers, Rise Against, and the original lineup of The Misfits. The Besmirchers and ANWL had organized a longer 2020 tour, which was derailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown measures. The tour was scheduled to kick off at Punk Rock Bowling featuring The Professionals, who formed following the dissolution of The Sex Pistols by founding members Steve Jones and Paul Cook. Unfortunately, this tour was also sidelined by pandemic shutdowns on live music venues and gatherings.[48][49][50]

 
The Professionals Sold Out
 
Exterminators
 
Feederz

On Friday 13 December 2019, TSOL's ‘Ghost Train’ EP became the legendary LA Punks first release on Slope Records. A culmination of their signature brooding goth, punk, and new wave blend anchored by lead singer Jack Grisham's distinctive baritone, ‘Ghost Train,’ continues their renowned SoCal Punk legacy. TSOL's roots are in the late 70's LA Punk Scene, and they are considered one of the most influential and enduring bands of the genre. Pressed on translucent blue vinyl, ‘Ghost Train’ is informed by TSOL's roots while bringing their sound into the 21st century.[51][52]

Associated bands

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  • Surfbort
  • FuckEmos
  • Mighty Sphincter
  • Our Neighbors Suck (ONS)
  • The Christian Family
  • Scorpion Vs Tarantula
  • Useless Pieces of Shit (UPS)
  • Mighty Sphincter
  • Besmirchers
  • Feederz
  • The Father Figures
  • Red Squares
  • The Bulemics
  • The Scandals
  • ManHands
  • Nip Drivers
  • Exterminators
  • Insurrection
  • Freaks of Nature
  • The Brainz
  • Sad Kid
  • The Linecutters
  • Political Crap
  • Dead 77
  • The Freeze
  • The Cocky Bitches
  • U.S. Bombs[53]
  • Duane Peters Gunfight
  • The Blankz

Discography

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Release number Year Title Artist Format Notes
Slope001 2015 LTC203 Insurrection 7-inch EP Only official release for mid-80s Tempe via Sedona hardcore band
Slope002 2015 Hard On Love Besmirchers 7-inch EP Gatefold, Tucson punks featuring Lenny Mental who was once on Jerry Springer
Slope003 2015 Modern Roll / Time Change Red Squares 7-inch EP Limited edition re-release with gatefold cover and Red vinyl. Originally featured on the #10 and #666 editions of the Killed By Death compilations.
Slope004 2016 Surfbort[15] Surfbort 7-inch EP Gatefold. Brooklyn, New York noise merchants.
Slope005 2016 Something Wicked This Way Comes The Bulemics 12-inch LP Oxblood vinyl
Slope006 2016 Skullcrusher O.N.S. 10-inchEP Six song limited edition EP from Arizona's Our Neighbors Suck.
Slope007 2016 w.a.g.p.s.g.? Fuckemos 7-inch EP Limited edition orange vinyl re-release on orange vinyl
Slope008 2016 Undead at Hammersmith Odeon 1987 Mighty Sphincter 12-inch LP Live Mighty Sphincter hoax record. Gatefold. Actually recorded in Atlanta, Georgia.
Slope009 2016 Ugly in Public U.P.S. 7-inch EP First time on vinyl, this is Tucson's Useless Pieces of Shit at their fastest and nastiest.
Slope010 2016 Can Kill You Fuckemos 12-inch LP Re-issue on silver vinyl from 1994.
Slope011 2016 Scorpion Vs. Tarantula Scorpion Vs Tarantula 10-inch EP Limited edition six song EP from Arizona's SVT.
Slope012 2016 This Country Is Going To Hell Scandals TX 7-inch EP Gatefold
Slope013
Slope014 2016 Lifestyles Of The Drugged And Homeless Fuckemos 12-inch LP Gold vinyl re-issue of Fuckemo's 1995 CD.
Slope015 Tape 2 Fuckemos 12-inch LP Purple vinyl
Slope016 2016 The Christian Family The Christian Family 7-inch EP Limited edition on avocado green vinyl.
Slope017 2016
Slope018 2016 Destroy Whitey Nip Drivers 12-inch EP White vinyl re-issue of Nip Drivers' 1984 classic.
Slope019 2016 Oh Blessed Freak Show Nip Drivers 12-inch LP Red vinyl re-issue of Nip Drivers' 1985 classic.
Slope020 2016 Freaks Of Nature Freaks of Nature 7-inch EP Limited edition
Slope021 2016 Brainz Brainz 7-inch EP Re-issue of classic Phoenix prog-punks featuring Doug Clark of Mighty Sphincter/Exterminators
Slope022 2016 Product of America[54] Exterminators 12-inch LP First wave Phoenix punk rock featuring Don Bolles (Germs), Cris Kirkwood (Meat Puppets), Buzzy Murder (AKA Doug Clark, Mighty Sphincter), and Johnny Macho (AKA Dan Clark, Feederz).
Slope023 2016 Fox On The Run Nip Drivers 7-inch EP Limited edition. First time on vinyl since 1985.
Slope024 2017 Slow Death Political Crap 7-inch EP Duane Peters' first band. Red vinyl.
Slope025 2017 San Francisco Fire Sports 7-inch EP 1984 recording of Duane Peters' second band.
Slope026 2017 Pirates of Suburbia The Linecutters 7-inch EP Orange vinyl
Slope027
Slope028 2017 WWHD: What Would Hitler Do?[55][56] Feederz 7-inch EP Orange vinyl. First new music from Feederz for over 15 years.
Slope029 2017 Heavy Lifting The Father Figures 12-inch LP Featuring Michael Cornelius of JFA and Tom Reardon of North Side Kings
Slope030 2017 Anthill[57] The Linecutters 12-inch LP Produced by Cris Kirkwood (Meat Puppets)
Slope034 2018 TV's OK Cocky Bitches 7-inch EP Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers) new project
Slope035 2018 Phoenixotica Moonlight Magic 12-inch LP Debut LP Lounge/Exotica combo from Phoenix, Arizona
Slope036 2018 Clash Tribute U.S. Bombs 7-inch EP Cover songs of The Clash "Straight To Hell" and "Death Or Glory" white vinyl
Slope038 2018 Hollywood Gong Show U.S. Bombs 7-inch EP Baby blue vinyl
Slope039 2018 White Baby The Blankz 7-inch EP Debut S/T release
Slope040 2018 (I Just Want To) Slam! The Blankz 7-inch EP Second S/T release
Slope041 2018 I'm A Gun The Blankz 7-inch EP Third S/T release
Slope42 2018 Mercy Cocky Bitches 12-inch LP Butthole Surfers’ guitarist Paul Leary and Cold drummer Sam McCandless with powerful punk siren The Baroness.
Slope43 2018 (It's A) Breakdown The Blankz 7-inch EP Fourth S/T release
Slope44 2018 Road Case U.S. Bombs 12-inch LP First full-length LP since 2006
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References

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  1. ^ a b Reardon, Tom (6 January 2016). "New Local Label Slope Records Is Reissuing Phoenix Punk Bands on Vinyl". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  2. ^ Prato, Greg (23 December 2016). "Meat Puppets Bassist On What He Would Like For Christmas". Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  3. ^ "Best Record Label: Slope Records". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved 2017-10-17.
  4. ^ "Thomas Lopez". IMDb.
  5. ^ Reardon, Tom (27 April 2016). "Mighty Sphincter and the Hammersmith Hoax". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  6. ^ Reardon, Tom (17 August 2016). "The Christian Family Is Praying For Good Garage Rock". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  7. ^ a b Woodbury, Jason P. "Garage Gospel - Arts". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  8. ^ a b "Meat Puppet Cris Kirkwood talks pre-Germs Phoenix cult band Exterminators' 1st-ever LP (interview + song premiere)". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  9. ^ Young, Amy (2017-10-10). "11 Best Record Labels in Metro Phoenix". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved 2017-10-17.
  10. ^ "Exterminators – Product of America LP". The Punk Vault. 29 June 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  11. ^ "'Product of America': Members of the Germs and Meat Puppets resurrect a Phoenix punk band from 1978". 16 November 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  12. ^ "Fred Mills: Recent 45 Reviews (and some not-so recent..) - Blurt Magazine". 20 May 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  13. ^ Ox-Fanzine. "Reviews : EXTERMINATORS / Product Of America :: ox-fanzine.de". www.ox-fanzine.de. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
  14. ^ "Feederz Interview". Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  15. ^ a b "Surfbort Performs at Coachella". Coachella Valley Weekly. 2017-04-12. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
  16. ^ Reardon, Tom (7 November 2016). "Early Phoenix Punk Band Exterminators Finally Release Their Debut Album". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  17. ^ "Exterminators". Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  18. ^ "'Product of America': Members of the Germs and Meat Puppets resurrect a Phoenix punk band from 1978". 16 November 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  19. ^ "Local Record Labels - JAVA". 1 April 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  20. ^ a b Callwood, Brett (28 April 2017). "Meat Puppets' Cris Kirkwood Was Shot in the Back and Imprisoned: Life's Magical". Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  21. ^ "Feederz – WWHD: What Would Hitler Do?". 26 October 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  22. ^ Reardon, Tom (1 February 2017). "Storied Phoenix Punks The Feederz Unite Just in Time for the Trump Presidency". Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  23. ^ "What would Hitler Do?: Notorious '80s agit-punks The Feederz return to fuck shit up in the Trump era". DangerousMinds. 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
  24. ^ "POLITICAL CRAP: Slow Death: 7". 2 August 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  25. ^ An Insider's Introduction: Jaime Paul Lamb | YabYum Music & Arts
  26. ^ Stream 'We're Loud: 90s Cassette Punk Unknowns' – Noisey
  27. ^ Highlighting The Mythological Motifs In Freemasonry — The Laudable Pursuit
  28. ^ Moonlight Magic – Phoenixotica – Slope Records – Neo-Exotica Swing
  29. ^ DIY Desert Punk: Slope Records
  30. ^ Interviews & Artikel : BLANKZ :: ox-fanzine.de
  31. ^ Vinyl Review: The Father Figures — Heavy Lifting ‹ Modern Vinyl
  32. ^ The Father Figures – Heavy Lifting | Sound Renaissance
  33. ^ THE FATHER FIGURES – Heavy Lifting LP – Blurt Magazine
  34. ^ The Cocky Bitches sign with Slope Records! – PunkHouse Press
  35. ^ Punknews.org (8 December 2017). "U.S. Bombs cover the Clash". www.punknews.org. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  36. ^ "U.S. Bombs Releasing 2 EPs End of December". 8 December 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  37. ^ Music Fanzine | Jersey Beat
  38. ^ Jack Rabid, The Big Take-Over Magazine, May 2018, #82, Top 40
  39. ^ "Past PRB Club Show Gallery".
  40. ^ U.S. Bombs Tickets, Tour Dates 2018 & Concerts – Songkick
  41. ^ COCKY BITCHES ‘Mercy’ Album Review & Track Streams – Riff Relevant
  42. ^ Album Review: The Cocky Bitches – Mercy
  43. ^ "THE DICKIES – new 7-inch "I Dig Go-Go Girls" B/W "The Dreaded Pigasaurus" out on Slope Records May 24, 2019; band plays Punk Rock Bowling May 26". 20 April 2019.
  44. ^ "The Dickies, the Queers".
  45. ^ "Punk Rock Bowling announces full 2019 club show lineup & schedule".
  46. ^ "The Linecutters Play 'Patriot' Games on Knuckledragger EP".
  47. ^ "Leonard Graves Phillips".
  48. ^ "Misfits announce LA show with Rise Against, Distillers, Anti-Nowhere League, Cro-Mags".
  49. ^ "The Unseen".
  50. ^ "We're Coming Back, Don't You Worry!". 17 March 2020.
  51. ^ "36 New Songs Out Today".
  52. ^ "Track Premiere: T.S.O.L - 'Ghost Train'". 11 December 2019.
  53. ^ "U.S. Bombs at El Corazon in Seattle". 1 September 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  54. ^ "EXTERMINATORS – Product of America - Blurt Magazine". Blurt Magazine. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
  55. ^ "Interview with Frank Discussion and D.H. Peligro of the Feederz by David Ensminger - Razorcake". 1 May 2017. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  56. ^ "Wellness Spotlight Ft. CKY, Abrams, Feederz & Alex Martinez-Jebson". New Noise Magazine. 2017-08-10. Retrieved 2017-09-15.
  57. ^ "Phoenix local music picks for May: Blunt Club anniversary, Banana Gun, Mo's Homegrown". Retrieved 9 May 2017.
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